Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 – Free Family Friendly Events
I picked up a printed programme today for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026. It’s always fun to sit down with a cuppa and browse through it, but with over 3,000 shows to choose from it can get a bit overwhelming – and the costs can add up too if you have a whole family to take along. However, there’s also quite a few free shows to choose from, so once again I’ve rounded up the free listed children’s shows, plus a few from the general programme that are listed as family friendly. I’ve listed them in order of the recommended age suitability. Most of the free events are non ticketed, meaning it’s first come, first served.
NOTE: As always, the information is correct at time of writing, but please check before you travel. Click on the show titles to visit the relevant entries on the Fringe website.
The Flight of the Teddy Bears
9 – 14 August at Central Youth Hostel (Venue 142)
Start time: 11:05am | Duration: 45 mins
Suitability: all ages
“Help enchanting storyteller Carmel Page to wake her bears, get to know them though play and launch them into joyful flight. This very playful and uplifting show starts gently and soon becomes anarchic joy as the room fills with Flying Teddy Bears. The whole family can join in the unique fun of a giant teddy bear fight adventure.”
Godly Play
10 – 13 August at The Salvation Army Main Hall (Venue 405)
Start time: various | Duration: 2 hrs
Suitability: all ages
“Godly Play is a method of telling Bible stories in an accessible and quiet way to engage children in a wondering thoughtfulness... During a session we will listen to a Bible story shared by a trained Godly Play storyteller, enjoy a snack together and there will be opportunity to engage in a craft.“
Lost at Sea!
15 August at Canongate Kirk (Venue 60)
Start time: 5pm | Duration: 1 hr
Suitability: all ages
“Rich harmonies, soulful melodies, a cappella joy. Our 15-piece vocal ensemble weave together traditions of folk, jazz, classical and pop… A 60-minute eclectic musical journey of music old and new… don’t be surprised if you’re invited to join in for a song or two! Sea shanties, sad songs, love songs, choral harmonies that transcend what is possible to express in words.“
The Small Bright Things
15 – 21 August at Central Youth Hostel (Venue 142)
Start time: 11:05am | Duration: 45 mins
Suitability: age 0 to 3
“Enter a dreamlike glowing forest where mushroom lights, tiny fairy spirits and gentle nature soundscapes awaken a world of wonder for babies and toddlers (0-3). Calm, immersive and non-verbal, The Small Bright Things invites little ones to crawl, explore and discover at their own pace through light, movement, puppetry and sound.“
Sing-a-Long Scotland
7 – 14 August at LifeCare Centre (Venue 524)
Start time: 3pm | Duration: 1 hr
Suitability: age 3+
“Come and join a relaxing feel-good afternoon show at the family-friendly LifeCare community space in Stockbridge. Johnny plays his guitar and sings a selection of well-loved Scottish sing-a-long songs… The show has been created for those living with dementia, their families, friends and carers. Everyone is encouraged to sing, hum or simply sit back, listen and enjoy.“
The Grumpy Magicians Present: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
8 – 22 August at Brewdog Doghouse Hotel (Venue 603)
Start time: 14:35 | Duration: 45 mins
Suitability: age 5+
“The Grumpy Magicians will be performing their new show using their unique style of comedy magic to baffle and entertain you. “
Abracadabra Family Friendly Magic Show
8 – 30 August at CC Blooms (Venue 171)
Start time: 12:30pm | Duration: 55 mins
Suitability: age 5+
“Be amazed as Alex…brings his amazing skills once more! Returns for his sixth year at the Edinburgh Fringe with an all-new children’s magic show!…Get ready for fun and laughter in an interactive show that will have the whole family having an amazing time!“
Awesome Andy – The Show!
8 – 30 August at CC Blooms (Venue 171)
Start time: 11:15am | Duration: 55 minutes
Suitability: age 5+
“From the world of cruise ships…Andy is returning to the Fringe with an all-in-one variety-packed show including magic, juggling, circus stunts and robots! Not your average show – think variety, but suitable for kids of all ages and something that the big kids, adults, will enjoy too.“
Circo Valise
18 – 30 August (not 24 August) at Assembly George Square Studios (Venue 17)
Start time: various | Duration: 10 minutes
Suitability: age 5+
“For children, Circo Valise awakens the construction of dreams in the realm of imagination, and for older audiences, it opens access to enchanting memories that renew the desire to keep dreaming. The show is part of São Paulo Showcase.“
Jamie Leonard: Blink of an Eye
18 – 30 August (not 18 & 25 August) at Liquid Room (Venue 276)
Start time: 12:30pm | Duration: 50 mins
Suitability: age 5+
“After a hugely successful 2025 Edinburgh Fringe…Jamie Leonard returns with Blink of an Eye, a stylish, story-driven hour of comedy and magic. Blending sharp wit, astonishing sleight of hand and moments of quiet wonder, the show explores time, attention and the things we miss when we’re not really looking.“
Trying My Best
18 – 30 August at Liquid Room (Venue 276)
Start time: 5pm | Duration: 1 hr
Suitability: age 5+
“…a one-person, family-friendly show blending magic, circus, sideshow and gentle clowning… Featuring a handful of curious oddities – from magic to sword swallowing to wine glass balancing… the show is an ongoing exploration shaped by street theatre, cabaret and circus.“
Amazing Life Gospel Choir in Concert
28 & 29 August at St Giles’ Cathedral (Venue 187)
Start time: 7:00pm | Duration: 1 hr 20 mins
Suitability: age 5+
“…an uplifting evening featuring our 50-voice gospel choir, singing heartfelt songs and uplifting hymns and featuring special performances and soulful moments. Come as you are, and leave with a song in your heart!“
The Storymaster’s Tales Interactive Quest Show
22 – 24 & 29 – 30 August at BrewDog Doghouse Hotel (Venue 603)
Start time: 12:15pm | Duration: 55 mins
Suitability: age 6+
“…step into a thrilling interactive fantasy of magic, monsters and mystery where your choices shape the adventure. Created and performed by best-selling author Oliver McNeil, this unique live show brings his acclaimed Storymaster’s Tales role-playing game books to life on stage…Perfect for ages 6+, this magical adventure is packed with laughter, surprises and unforgettable moments.“
Serious Nonsense
8 – 30 August (not Tuesdays) at Greek Gyros Grill (Venue 605)
Start time: 12:00pm | Duration: 1 hr
Suitability: age 8+
” Serious Nonsense is a free poetry show for all ages, packed with energetic rhymes, masterful storytelling and laugh-out-loud moments…If you liked Roald Dahl or Spike Milligan growing up, then this is the show for you.”
David Alnwick: Objectively the Best Magician
8 – 30 August at Liquid Room (Venue 276)
Start time: 1:30pm | Duration: 1 hr
Suitability: age 8+
“15-year Edinburgh Fringe veteran David Alnwick returns with a fast-paced, hilarious magic show.“
The Best Comedy Magic Show You’ll See in the Next 45 Minutes (Probably) at the Free Fringe 2026
8 – 30 August at Greek Gyros Grill (Venue 605)
Start time: 3:45pm | Duration: 1 hr
Suitability: age 8+
“A comedy magic show like no other. Very funny, interactive, sarcastic, cheeky – but suitable for the whole family.“
The Hypnotist and Mind Reader Live: Comedy Hypnosis and Mind Reading Show
8 – 30 August (not 12 & 19 August) at Liquid Room (Venue 276)
Start time: 8pm | Duration: 1 hr
Suitability: age 8+
“Join one of the UK’s top stage hypnotists and renowned mentalists…Prepare for an evening of amazement as Mind Hacker Daniel Sinclair unlocks volunteers’ imaginations and alters their realities – all through the power of hypnosis.“
Mesmerising Mechanisms
22 August at Eric Liddell Community (Venue 235)
Start time: 10am | Duration: open for 6 hrs
Suitability: age 8+
“A free, hands-on exhibition featuring a collection of wooden machines which demonstrate the fascinating and often bewildering motion of mechanisms. Old-school, hand-driven mechanics: gears, cams, levers… those twisty bits… All working together to produce interesting and often amusing effects.“
Pay What You Can
As well as free events, there are also many events – including children’s shows – that offer ‘pay what you can’ tickets starting from £2.50, which helps to keep costs down for families. Check out the listing of pay what you can events on the Free Festival website.
You can browse the full programme on the Fringe website. Go to “Shows” in the tabs, then in the search box, under the “genre” filter you can select “Children’s Shows”, or under “More filters” you can filter by age. To find free shows, use the filter “Special pricing” and select “free”. Don’t forget to click on “apply filters” if you are using the “more filters” option. Once you have selected your filters (you can combine more than one filter) click on “Find Shows”.
